Pupil 'threatened to rape teacher'

A 15-year-old pupil allegedly threatened to rape a teacher outside a school, according to a union.

The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association (SSTA) said the threat was witnessed by other teaching staff but not reported to police.

The incident was one of thousands of instances when teachers were abused or intimidated in Scotland last year.

It took place in Fife in December and was recorded in a study by the regional branch of the union.

SSTA general secretary David Eaglesham said it was rare for a teacher to be threatened in such a way.

There are regular threats of abuse made against staff and there are actual instances of abuse against them

David Eaglesham
SSTA general secretary

"I have spoken with people concerned in this case," he said.

"This is the only time I have ever heard this particular type of thing suggested.

"There are regular threats of abuse made against staff and there are actual instances of abuse against them."

He said many teachers found it difficult to report abuse as they felt that it would suggest there was a problem with their skills in the classroom.

Last month the union published a survey which suggested that nearly half the 2,500 teachers questioned thought indiscipline had increased greatly in the previous two years.

The latest Scottish Executive figures said that 5,412 incidents of physical or verbal abuse were reported by staff at state schools during 2001/2.